working out, chowing down, & living up the college life

I’ve been making some delicious summer treats with the extra time I have had on my hands while I continue on in my career search, which I’ve been promptly sharing on my health Instagram (@chowidohealth). I have gotten many requests for recipes, so here I am attempting to please you lovely people!

***Disclaimer: most things I make, I am able to make educated guesses from previous experience with certain foods, and sometimes I don’t write everything down that I do. So if I’m not following an already established recipe, chances are I’m guestimating measurements and what not, but I shouldn’t be too far off!

First up is a hearty breakfast involving these yummy things called oats. As much I have been trying to stick to bounds of raw fruit in the morning, I do recognize that oatmeal breakfasts give me the most sustained energy for my mid-morning workouts. In efforts to get creative, I thought up this fun spin on traditional oatmeal!

Blueberry-Banana-Date Oatmeal Bake

Obviously I had to immediately taste test 😛

1.5 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup ground flax meal

3/4 cup water

1 ripened banana

1/2 cup blueberries (up to you)

3 medjool dates

Cinnamon (how much do you like cinnamon?!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together flax meal and water. This will serve as your binding agent. Stir. Let sit for 5 minutes.

They are vegan, so no need to worry about them cooking all the way through! Take them out whenever you desire, depending on how gooey you like ’em.

I mentioned last post that I would be creating a What I Eat in a Day blog post, like this post last winter, as my next feature, but as much as I take pictures of food, I can’t quite seem to remember to take a picture of every single thing I eat and I want to be the realest I can with you all. I’m determined now though, so hopefully you’ll be seeing one very soon!

As for now, I’ll be living up the rest of my summer…maybe at home, maybe at a brand new place! Only time will tell.

Sheesh! Have I already started to miss being a student? As unpleasant as it was to study, do homework, write papers and attend classes, I think I really will miss being educated on the daily. Here’s to hoping I will retain some of what I’ve learned the past 17 years!

There’s one thing for sure that won’t be leaving my brain anytime soon — my passion for health, wellness and world betterment.

I like to keep myself educated and up-to-date on news in the health community, particularly plant-based movements and any and all information that I can use to better my own self, and eventually others.

My most recent (I guess we can call it) “discovery” has been the high carb, low fat vegan diet. As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, there are many ways to do any diet, including veganism. And after nearly two years vegan, you better believe I’ve pretty much tried it all.

As a vegan, you definitely learn how to plan & prepare ahead! — trip to Dewey Beach, DE with some girlfriends 🙂

From the very beginning stages, I was just eating whatever I could find that was vegan and seemed relatively healthy. I then moved on to try and smash in as much vegan protein as possible as I picked up weight lifting. Meanwhile, I thought that since healthy fats are healthy, they should be therefore limitless for healthy consumption. Wrong-o.

By consuming 80% carbs, 10% protein and 10% fats — high raw, your body is able to maintain high, stable levels of energy while feeling ultra satisfied. The best part though? That abundance bit — you can eat as much as your heart desires!

It wasn’t until just recently that I started incorporating starches into my diet. Coming from conventional health info, I always avoided white potatoes and white rice, but I’ve learned that with a low-fat vegan diet, these are excellent sources of energy. (CARBS = ENERGY)

I whipped out my family’s rice cooker I knew we had hiding somewhere and since, have been incorporating rice into my dinners each evening, white or brown. It’s added fantastic texture to my carbed-up meals.

Remember, the carbs I’m speaking of are the good carbs: fruits, veggies, grains, legumes and starches, not to be confused with their evil sibling, refined carbs: white breads, pastas, chips, cake, cookies, candies, etc.

I have already noticed a heck of a difference in my energy during the day, during workouts and vibrant clarity of my skin.

9 mile morning bike ride!

The other thing to note is the importance of consuming foods as close to their natural state as possible. This means raw whenever possible and leaving out the oil and salt. These are two things I’ve recently tried to ditch completely. Yes, there are some oils that are deemed healthier than others, but oil is a refined fat, which should not be included in a healthy diet. Salt raises blood pressure and physically causes bloating.

It is extremely important to understand the detriment that salt and oil can bring to your nutrition, so you’re better off just leaving them out completely. There are so many other alternatives to season your food, AKA amazing herbs, spices and citrus fruits! I can honestly say I don’t miss them one bit, and feel much better without them. Consider them the ex-boyfriend that was weighing you down!

Oven-Baked HCLF Potato WedgesAn easy high-carb, low-fat vegan starter kit food item is mastering the oven-baked fries. Start off by grabbing any potato of your choosing. Set the oven for 410 degrees. Slice the potato into wedges, or whatever shape you like. Season the wedges with whatever herbs or spices you like. Place the potato wedges in the oven for 20 minutes. And wah-lah, perfect crisp and delicious “french fries” that are nothing but good for you. No oil or salt needed!

Like I mentioned, this diet is one of abundance. I can literally eat as much as I want and stay lean and energized. If that doesn’t convince you, did I mention it’s also the healthiest, most economical, most environmentally sustainable, most ethical, and overall best diet (but actually, lifestyle) to save this world? Well, it is.

That’s all for now, folks! Be expecting a “What I Ate in a Day” blog post coming up.

These past couple of weeks have been pretty relaxed, as I’ve been really focusing my efforts on my career pursuit. This means lots of time spent at home working on job applications, at the gym, trying to be outside (stop already, rain!), and on artistic endeavors.

While I’ve had the time on my hands to go to the gym when I please for as long as I please, I’ve done a good amount of reflecting on why I do what I do. Why do I put forth so much of my time and energy into a warehouse room filled with big, bulky metal contraptions?

And it hit me. I LOVE being strong. It’s the most empowering feeling knowing that you’re a powerful human being, a force of nature.

My summer starting point — oh the possibilities!

Going through your day to day life capable of whatever life throws at you is a feeling beyond any other. Knowing that you have the ability to exert strength and stamina whenever it is due is beyond ideal. Recognizing that you can defend yourself in this scary world provides peace of mind.

It’s about taking a stand for yourself — investing in you.

This strength is not limited to the physical sort. But of course, it is a plus!

Consciously putting yourself through pain and struggle, knowing you can quit at any moment, but refusing to, is where mental strength comes in. Continuously reminding yourself that this battle is worth the pain, that you will come out on the other side a better individual is where strength is born.

Finally, realizing the benefits of that struggle is what instills the values of hard work and mental vigor.

I believe that transitioning to the vegan lifestyle, despite social norms, social criticism, disrupting my normal diet, changing the way I think about food and the world, has undoubtedly improved my mental strength.

Flex your body, flex your mind!

Sure, I could have quit at any moment the past 2 years and gave into eating some butter or cheese (too far gone to even consider meat) with the constant pressure I face to give in, but I choose not to. For myself.

This strength allows for me to look beyond the adversities of daily life and see the big picture to overcome them. What is the significance of doing or not doing a specific action in the long run? Why have I made the decisions I have?

Why am I abstaining from animal products? Why have I chosen to get up before the sun rises to work out? Why can’t I just be like a “normal” person?

Because I value my strength and determination, and feel so grateful everyday that I have it within myself to carry out the life I have chosen to live.

Post back & biceps workout today!

I genuinely believe that male or female, young or old, strength is vital to a healthy, happy existence. Invest in your mind and body. Invest in yourself.

I hope you guys have been enjoying this glorious weather as much as I have. As much as the humidity makes my hair frizz like a poodle and my body perspire from head to toe, I’ll take it if it means blue, lush skies, birds chirping and beautiful, vibrant sunshine everyday.

A lovely trip to Great Falls Park with my college friend from Virginia Beach, Melanie, this past weekend!

As I mentioned previously, my Watermelon Island detox was to set me up for a summer of clean, raw eating. So the actual detox itself didn’t last for as long as I anticipated, but it still did its job.

I have been feeling absolutely fabulous since the cleanse, eating high carb, low fat plant-based whole foods. I can feel my body thanking me everyday.

While keeping up my daily exercise…

A paparazzi shot at mile 3 of the Oakton HS Football 5K this past Sunday — thanks Dad!My mom, her friend Gayle and I ran in style with our Kangoo Jumps boots! Here we are happily bouncing away in celebration of completing the 5K 🙂

One must realize that as much as a vegan diet is kinder, more sustainable, and almost always healthier than an animal product-based diet, there are many different forms of it.

Simply eating vegan is actually a pretty easy feat. There are so many look-a-like, taste-a- like substitutes to any standard American diet food, tons of bread and junk food galore.

Don’t get me wrong, it is so very admirable to make the commitment to go vegan, realizing that your decision on what to eat everyday impacts so much more than just yourself. And so many people make the change for so many different reasons – health, environment, animal welfare.

For those that go vegan as a worthwhile investment in health, there is quite a learning curve. When I first went vegan, I did A LOT of research to insure I was getting every nutrient I possibly needed to be the healthiest I could be, but I really have learned so much more since.

Vegans that jump right into the lifestyle without educating themselves tend to go heavy on the processed foods, such as soy, refined carbs and refined sugars. These will not give you the long-term health benefits you want. Just the same as any healthy diet, processed foods need to go. Need clarification? Do not buy food in packaging (yes, I know there are exceptions!).

Through this process, I’ve also learned how detrimentally imbalanced the recommended daily nutrient breakdown is, and how sadly misinformed society is on what your body needs to thrive.

Lesson 1 — We don’t need that much protein. Protein deficiency is so rare, only ever seen in people that are truly starving. Know why? Because our bodies only need about 10% protein, give or take. It is ALWAYS the first question I am asked and one of the biggest pet peeves/jokes among the veg community – “but how do you get your protein?” We get our protein from the original source, where animals get their protein – PLANTS! We gotta hand it to the meat and dairy industry for successfully brainwashing billions of people into believing that protein and calcium is the one characteristic their products have that we can’t get anywhere else — a genius marketing ploy if I’ve ever seen one. Although our bodies don’t need much, there is an abundance of protein available in a vegan diet, most dense in legumes, seeds, nuts and dark leafy greens.

Lesson 2 — Carbs won’t make you fat. There is a dire misconception when it comes to carbs. One of the first things you hear when someone is trying to lose weight is “I’m cutting out carbs” — one of the worst ideas of all time. Carbs are what give you energy! Sure, cutting out carbs for a set period of time might make you lose weight, but you won’t be able to sustain it. Your body will feel undernourished, you’ll binge, and be right back to where you started. You should be feeding your body majority of carbohydrates on the daily. Yes, refined carbs are not a part of a healthy diet, but neither is anything else refined. Sometimes I don’t think people even realize what exactly a carb is. Fruits, veggies, grains and legumes are carbohydrates! You need these guys to thrive. These fibrous and starchy carbs are considered complex, sourced from plant-based foods. Simple carbs are the simple sugar carbohydrates, like fruit and artificially derived sugary food-like substances (junk food). In conclusion, not all carbs are created equal, and you NEED the good ones to sustain energy levels.

Lesson 3 — Fructose is not bad. The diet media world gives fruit a bad name when it comes to a healthy diet. Fructose naturally sourced from the abundant fruit our planet provides for us is not bad for you and should never be limited. The fructose you need to stay away from is sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, or refined sugar, which has been conveniently placed in almost all processed food today. Fruit is filled with so many nutrients your body needs, and provides you with such incredible energy without weighing you down. This is where the 80-10-10 raw vegan diet comes in!

Lesson 4 — Foods in their raw, natural state are superior to cooked foods. As much as cooked foods are delicious, heat actually decreases nutrient content. Some people go as far as to say “heat kills food,” turning it into dead food. It does make sense though. Cooking food above 118 degrees kills vital enzymes, making it more difficult for your body to digest. Fruits and vegetables in their natural state, super dense in nutrients, are far superior, as they are how our Earth intended them to be. Some vegans even eat raw foods only, on the 80-10-10 diet, to allow for improved health and a stronger connection with the natural world. There is no food more powerful than raw, live plant-based whole foods.

Lesson 5 — Good fats are good, but don’t go overboard. I’m a fat lover as much as the next person, but I’ve realized that fat is fat. Your body does not need too much of it, nor should it have too much of it. Plant-based oils, nuts, nut butters, avocados…you name it, I ate it, and a lot of it. It just so happens that fats can clog up your system, resulting in acne and other unwanted bodily reactions. To sum it up, these “healthy” fats are in fact healthy, but eat them in moderation, and not as a daily staple.

Knowing this information, I have been actively trying to increase my raw food intake, up my carbs, and decrease my fats. I already feel SO much better.

If you don’t believe me, take it from this awesome YouTube vlogger, Annie Jaffrey!

Just within the 1.5 weeks I have altered my diet, I have already noticed myself leaning out and experiencing much greater energy levels. It really is a learning curve.

Here I am at 1 year and 11 months vegan (one more month ’til the big 2 YEAR!) and still learning and changing things about this plant-based diet of mine.

I hope I have shed some light on this amazing lifestyle me and so many others thrive off of. Never would I have thought I would be so knowledgable about nutrition, wellness, the food industry, animal welfare or the environment, but it kind of just comes along with the vegan tag. There is no doubt you will come out a changed person going vegan.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have made a trip to Watermelon Island in effort to detox my body to kick off my summer of raw-someness!

In short, I only ate watermelon during this time period, as eating just one type of fruit as a mono-meal is the absolute easiest for your body to digest. This simplicity allows it to work on others things, like flushing out any built up toxins. This time also allows for you to become more in-tune to your body’s satiation. Because you stop tasting the watermelon as vibrantly as you once did, you begin to truly rely on listening to your body to know when you’re truly satisfied. Another benefit is the aftermath of higher appreciation for the simple pleasures of other foods.

I have tracked each day to give you a play-by-play on what exactly I was experiencing.

Day 1 – Sunday, May 24

I started off my morning with a nice gym session of cardio on the bike and strength training for my legs. As soon as I came home, I had my first delicious taste of watermelon. I ate about a quarter of it for breakfast, spoon and bowl style. A couple hours later, I finished the entire watermelon for lunch, eating the remaining half with a spoon.

Later that evening, my parents picked up pizza, my pre-vegan, favorite pizza, a true test of self-control. In efforts to be creative, I decided to make a watermelon slushy. I made this out of the next quarter of the second watermelon.

Summary — My first day started off strong, but ended weaker than I would have liked. During breakfast and lunch, I was doing well. When it got later in the day, I couldn’t help but want something a little more hardy, with a different texture and different flavor. I realized that the watermelon gave me quick surges of energy that would last for about 30 minutes tops. I would then feel super low levels of energy, which I was most definitely not a fan of. My head felt cloudy, occasionally painful and I felt as though I couldn’t think clearly.

Day 2 – Monday, May 25

I woke up feeling pretty great, although I was not thrilled knowing that my entire day would consist of watermelon again. I did notice my skin felt softer and looked very clear, even and glowing. However, I did not feel up for a workout. This did not sit well with me.

I sliced up almost half a watermelon for breakfast, and spooned it out. Around noon, my family and I went to the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. for the remainder of the afternoon. I, of course, was prepped and ready to go with my watermelon.

I was a little worried, as I didn’t know what type of weather/standing conditions we would be under, but it ended up being quite a relaxed atmosphere. We snagged a shady spot and sat on blankets while we enjoyed the patriotic festivities. I felt fine during this, but definitely kept myself energized snacking on watermelon every 20-30 minutes or so.

When we arrived home around dinner time, I cut myself another quarter of watermelon to devour. I took a little nap and came back for another big, round slice of watermelon a couple hours before I went to bed. I noticed the times I would get up from sitting, I would feel dizzy and would see colors as I gathered my bearings and started walking.

Summary — Day 2 was a bit rougher. As I began my day knowing of the low energy levels, cloudiness and headaches I would be receiving, it definitely had me more conscious of when they did come around. Eating watermelon alone definitely put me in a weaker, more vulnerable state — a feeling I am definitely not used to. It also seemed as though every smell of food I sensed aroused my hunger — even foods I never would be drawn to on my normal plant-based diet. And when I knew I couldn’tconsume any of those amazing scents I was experiencing, it just made me want to close my eyes and sleep.

Watermelon Island cancelled — I made the executive decision to end my Watermelon Island trip at breakfast on Tuesday morning, today. I understand that a detox may have you feeling more tired than normal and overall a bit different, but I just had a feeling that my body was trying to communicate with me that it didn’t like this.

I applaud those I know that have done this Watermelon Island detox for as long as they have…2 weeks anyone? I know that I could physically do it, but the mental part is what is most difficult. Perhaps if I was actually on a deserted island with nothing but watermelon, but being in today’s society, living with a family that is constantly cooking and eating such flavorful, enticing foods, I just couldn’t.

Now I like to think I’m a pretty self-disciplined individual, but with a mix of signals coming from my body and the knowledge that I can sustain myself just as health-consciously with a variety of other healthy, simple foods, I just couldn’t continue with the watermelon. I couldn’t bear to not have my normal energy levels, enough so that I didn’t even feel that I could work out. Problem.

I am proud of myself for completing a full 48 hours on this Watermelon Island detox, and I already feel as though I am experiencing the benefits. Two days and three watermelons later, my first meal of the day off the island was breakfast — a banana, blueberry, spinach, almond milk smoothie bowl. It’s true what they say about appreciating foods so much more post-island. The flavors of the smoothie bowl seemed to dance around in my mouth, as if they too were celebrating my arrival home.

If anything, I think Watermelon Island has helped me reach my goal of a smooth transition to a summer of simpler, more raw eating. It’s easier, better for you and makes your body feel fantastic, and I couldn’t be more excited for the foods that await me!

All in all, I’m glad I was able to experience this Watermelon Island adventure, but from now on, I’ll be staying on my own soil.

Hello all & happy summer…or at least to the college students out there!

This summer does not only signify the end of classes, but the end of an era — my years as a student, which honestly feels like my entire life.

I have officially graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing, with minors in Spanish and International Business! I feel grateful beyond words for the opportunity to have attended this amazing university, for the people I have met and the experiences I have had. For these are what have shaped me into the individual I am today.

On my cap are my words to live by — I realize I must lead by example. Also, featured is The Veg Club of VT logo I so proudly created.

I would like to take this time to bring it back to my parents and what a blessing they have been through it all. Whether it was 7 hours, 4 hours, or a plane ride across the Atlantic away, they had my back through whatever…not to mention funding the whole sha-bang.

Mom Kathy & Dad Phil

Looking forward, I could not be more excited for what my next adventure might be. That’s right. I still am unsure of exactly what I will be doing with the rest of my life, but somehow I am content with that. If I’ve learned one important thing in college it’s too find a sense of calm in the craziness. Trust that everything will work out.

It’s not that I am a clueless grad that is confused on what to do next. I actually know exactly what I want to do and have had direction in my career goals for quite some time. I am hopeful and feel positive about where my life will go next. Those that have followed my blog through out the past two years have grown with me and experienced my transformation as a college student and health enthusiast and observed me ponder on what my true life calling is.

Onto the next!

I am undoubtedly following my dream to work in the natural foods industry in hopes to ultimately better the world through improved nutrition, sustainability and overall consciousness. Yes, I’m one of those “I want to change the world”-ers.

I do have one particular company in mind. I’ve had a school girl crush on it for a few years now, and in turn, have been picky to say the least when it has come to finding a job. Sure, I would have loved to have a job prior to graduation, BUT I would also love to have a job that I LOVE.

I’m a bit stubborn when it comes to things I am passionate about, but I like to call it perseverance.

For those that know me well, you know the company I’m talking about. For those that don’t, only time will tell.

Alright, back on topic to health and nutrition — the reason I first created this blog (2 whole years ago!).

As much as I enjoyed college, there were certain aspects that didn’t necessarily thrill me. The societal norms for college life consist of heavy drinking, late nights, fast food, “study” drugs, high caffeine intake, minimal sleep and high amounts of stress. I will not be missing ANY of these things or being in an environment where they are oh so prevalent.

As much as I put forth my best effort to carry out my plant-based lifestyle of health and vitality, I was, too, sucked into the college warp of unhealthiness from time to time.

As silly as it sounds, one of the most exciting things for me post-graduation is to not be surrounded by these negative social norms spring loaded with peer pressure.

Post-grad I see myself focusing on ME, and all the good that will come along with that. It has only been 4 days since I have been home, free of alcohol, late nights, unhealthy foods and stress, and I have been feeling absolutely incredible. I have already noticed a difference in my appearance, energy levels and attitude.

While I know these unfortunate negativities are inevitable in the way our society is currently structured, I know that with the direction I want to take my life, and the focus I have to do so, I should be pretty good at limiting these, if not cutting them out completely.

Plans for this summer? Whipping out career pursuit efforts left and right, while focusing on improving the plant-based lifestyle I already sustain.

As I’ve mentioned before, the raw vegan diet has been an intrigue of mine since last summer. I’ve been telling myself that this summer is when I will transition, so here I am all about that carpe diem life.

I will be kicking off my “going raw” summer with a little trip to Watermelon Island.

What is Watermelon Island you ask? Watermelon Island is a detox for your hard-working bod consisting of mono-meals alone. Mono-meals are meals made from one ingredient only for a set period of time. Pick a fruit of your choice and go for anywhere from 3-14 days, and experience the amazing cleansing benefits for your body. This time on the island allows for your body to rid itself of the toxins it has stored up and ultimately has your digestive system running at optimal efficiency. On top of that, you become more in tune to your body, particularly satiation. Because the watermelon, or fruit of your choice, will eventually lose its flavor, you will stop eating when you are truly full. After the cleanse, foods become more flavorful and more enjoyable. I’ve had friends and many bloggers I follow complete these “islands,” and reap fantastic results, so I figure it’s my turn!

This looks like about the amount of watermelons I will be buying!

I plan to depart to Watermelon Island this Sunday and come back next Tuesday. I will be sure to post about my venture!

I am going to cut myself off here, as I know this blog post is already quite lengthy. Thanks for those that have stuck with me the whole way through! I apologize for the huge lapse in time since my last post. Senior year really did throw me for a loop.

I promise you this summer you can count on some very cool and regular blog posts coming at ya!

We all know what that means. College girls (and guys too) freaking out about getting that “beach body,” and fast.

All I hear is “I’m on my spring break diet,” so “I can’t eat too many calories,” “I need to constantly work out,” and all that other college spring break prep bull sh*t.

Yes, work out! It’s what us human beings were made to do each day. However, quick fixes are never the answer and this whole mentality is wrong, wrong, wrong.

First off, what is the point of putting yourself through all this if you plan on drinking your weight in calories once you arrive at said beach? Wouldn’t that just be sabotaging all the hard work you put in to get there?

The bigger issue here, though, is that people still don’t seem to understand how food works.

Calorie restriction should NEVER be a thing. Consuming artificially derived food or animal products should also never be a thing. There’s no need to eat chemicals, animal flesh or their bodily excretions. Once you cut that crap out, you are free to eat as many calories as your heart desires – leaving your body in an utter state of bliss.

Food should never be the enemy. Food is what fuels you, what heals you, what nourishes you.

When you feel as though you go through your day fearing food, mentally limiting yourself and your intake, that is where the problem lies. Calorie restriction is not sustainable. Sure, these diets that have you cut yourself down to an absurd less than 2000 calories per day are going to work. Starvation will always make you lose weight. It’s science. But guess what? You will also be putting your body through chaos, slowing down your metabolism and cutting into your muscle mass. That weight loss will not last for long.

These trending diet programs, like Kayla Itsines, have you do just that. She gives you a basic workout program and tells you to limit yourself to to something like 1600 calories per day. To be an active, functioning adult, one needs far more than that. Anyone check out these headless results people months later…? Popular programs like this are exactly what brainwashes girls (and guys) into thinking that calorie restriction is key, and furthermore, that all calories are created equal.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions of the entire diet world existence. Here’s the truth, people. Calories are good. Calories are what give you the energy you need to function. Eating 1000 calories worth of meat is completely different from eating 1000 calories worth of bananas (and you get to eat SO much more).

Moral of the story – eat until your body is content. Eat when you feel hungry (snack!). Eat what your body needs (plant foods). If you’re craving something, it means you’re missing nutrients in your diet. Listen to your body, it’s a lot smarter than you think. Fulfill yourself. Make your body a happy body.

And in the meantime, your body will reap the benefits. You’ll feel a sense of mental clarity, comfort in your daily routine and a rockin’ bod. Don’t give into these dieting mental games because that is just what they are – games.

Take a look at this video by my raw til 4/high carb, low fat (801010)/plant-based idol, Freelee the Banana Girl, for more on this topic! Excuse her mouth from time to time.

Yes, she looks amazing and serves as a fab example of what anyone can achieve by simply switching to a lifestyle of nourishment through plant-based foods, and plenty of them. She has an awesome YouTube Channel with videos posted everyday following her daily routine and discussing important health topics in today’s society.

Well, I’ll step off my soapbox now. I write blog posts like this because I care. I want my friends and the world to feel as good as I do, without putting themselves through such misery.

Speaking of spring break…I’ll be in South Beach, Miami, Florida. Can’t wait.